The leaves are turning a lovely shade of red here in Lincolnshire, and the Sophie Allport team couldn’t be happier! We’ve spent our weekends pulling on our wellies, striding off towards open fields with our dogs and children (some more willing than others, admittedly!), looking for a crisp carpet of russet, gold and amber leaves to kick through. But where do you go for an autumnal walk? Do you have any favourites? Well, the Sophie Allport team thought we’d share some of our favourite picturesque walks near our lovely suppliers so that you can wrap your scarf around your shoulders and breathe in that crisp, autumn air. Just don’t forget to keep your boot bag handy… you’ll need somewhere to store those mucky wellies after your walk!
Chatsworth House Who wouldn’t enjoy a stunning autumn walk in the heart of the Peak District? Chatsworth House has 35,000 acres of luscious trees and gardens, so head over to the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire’s magnificent home if you really want to stretch your legs. The gardens have been evolving for nearly 500 years, so you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to deciding whether to tread around the Trout Stream or see how the change of season is leaving its mark on the Waterfall or the Hundred Steps feature.
Pitlochry If you’re in Scotland, how about going off-trail to take in the sights of Pitlochry? Pitlochry is known as a walker’s paradise, and there’s no better place to see brilliant blue skies, crisp cool air and swathes of amber hillsides than in highlands of Perthshire. There are around 40 miles of tracks to walk on, varying from challenging hikes to family-friendly loch-side ambles. Bring your camera along to photograph the woodland, and stop to drink in the breath-taking scenes with mountains and open farmland stretching out as far as the eye can see. It’s well worth popping into the House of Bruar while you’re up there if you fancy a cup of tea as well as a spot of shopping!
Cumbria Of course, Cumbria is host to hundreds of beautiful walks to enjoy over autumn. Go ‘pro’ by scaling one of Cumbria’s many mountains, or stick to lakeside walks and forest adventures if you want to take it a little more gently. Head to typically ‘touristy’ locations if you want to see what the fuss is about outside of the busy season, striding out of a charming little holiday cottage in your walking boots with just the locals for company. We like to stop at the Perfect English (a little shop run by a lovely husband and wife team) while we’re in the area.
Cornwall Although holidaymakers flock to Cornwall in the summer months, we think Cornwall is a great place all year round – including autumn! Get wrapped up for a blustery walk along Cornwall’s many gorgeous beaches, letting the dogs run over sandy dunes and polished pebbles. Personally, we’d stop for fish and chips before popping into Tintagel Honey after all that walking… that fresh autumnal air is bound to help you work up an appetite!
